Kate Winslet in Divergent

Word is she’s negotiating for a part in the film adaptation, scheduled to begin shooting in the Spring in Chicago. Someone from Summit even tweeted that her involvement is confirmed, before pulling down the tweet later on. Everyone is now speculating on the role -- most think she’ll play Jeanine Matthews, the leader of Erudite who doesn’t have a huge part (in terms of screen time) in Divergent but shows up a lot more in Insurgent. Click here and here for my reviews of both books.

Kate Winslet as Jeanine Matthews?

Shailene Woodley is still not my Tris, and she may never be, but Kate Winslet could definitely, definitely be my Jeanine Matthews. In fact, Kate Winslet is exactly what they need to give more depth to a character that is largely one dimensional. Fear is the primary motivation for those who would eliminate “other”, a much more complicated and, frankly, relatable emotion. It would be too easy, and juvenile, to attribute Jeanine’s actions to evil or simple ambition. This then is an encouraging casting decision, although, erm, I’m not sure Shailene Woodley has enough “it” as Tris to take on Kate Winslet.